Election fever rising in Melaka

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

The Melaka state legislative assembly is expected to be dissolved by September 23, triggering a highly competitive state election with multiple parties and independent candidates contesting across 28 seats. This election will test the strength of alliances like Pakatan Harapan and involve complex negotiations over seat distribution, potentially reshaping Melaka’s political landscape before the current government's term ends in 2026.

Political momentum is building ahead of the anticipated 16th Melaka state election, with the state legislative assembly expected to be dissolved as soon as Wednesday, September 23. Political parties in Melaka are gearing up for what is widely predicted to be a highly competitive contest involving multiple candidates across the 28 state seats.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who also leads Melaka Barisan Nasional, stated on September 16 that the dissolution was imminent but stopped short of confirming an exact date during a recent public event. His comments were echoed by Melaka Gerakan chairman Datuk Seri Michael Gan Peng Lam, who said the announcement could come next week. Gan noted that Gerakan is awaiting decisions from Perikatan Nasional leadership regarding the allocation of seats for the party to contest.

The election is expected to feature three- or four-cornered fights, as smaller parties and independent candidates plan to enter the race. Parti Bersama has indicated its intention to contest in 15 constituencies, increasing the likelihood of fragmented contests. Independent candidates also remain a factor, recalling their presence in the 2021 state election.

Members of the Pakatan Harapan coalition are similarly preparing for a challenging election environment. Melaka DAP organizing secretary Low Chee Leong confirmed that the party’s election machinery stands ready to be activated once the assembly is dissolved. The party aims to contest in eight state seats, as proposed by Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong.

Meanwhile, Melaka PKR strategy director Mohd Radzmin Roslan said his party has been advised that dissolution could happen on Wednesday and indicated that PKR expects to compete in 10 seats. Roslan described the upcoming election as potentially “very tough” and asserted that PKR is prepared for all scenarios.

In addition, Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman Adly Zahari, who also serves as Deputy Defence Minister, disclosed that his coalition is finalizing talks with parties sharing similar political goals, including Bersatu, regarding a possible “PH Plus” electoral pact. While discussions are ongoing based on directives from the Pakatan presidential council, any formal cooperation announcements will await the conclusion of negotiations. Adly confirmed that the distribution of seats within the coalition has been settled, with Amanah allocated eight seats.

The current Melaka state government took office following the November 20, 2021 election, and its term is set to expire on December 26, 2026. The forthcoming election will determine the next composition of the state assembly, with parties readying their campaigns amid a growing field of contenders.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.